The brutal force of Hurricane Sandy killed more than 100 people in 10 states, canceled nearly 20,000 flights, caused an estimated $50 billion in damage -- and knocked out power to more than 8.5 million homes and businesses. The Nor'easter that just passed through added insult to injury.
"We've had to stay in a hotel because it's just been too cold in our house," said Lorraine Brundle, a retired teacher from New Jersey. "I had no idea we'd still be without power a week after this storm hit us."
A lot of people in New York and New Jersey feel the same way. Seven days after the hurricane-turned-cyclone bore down on the East Coast, followed by the Nor'easter's blanket of snow, many people are just getting electricity back. What's worse? As the climate changes, many are wondering if power outages of the magnitude the country saw during Sandy -- outages particularly dangerous for older people -- will become more commonplace.
One solution, some experts say, is the whole house generator. Yes, they're expensive -- often costing as much as $15,000 -- but they will kick in automatically in the event your house goes off the grid. As a result, they allow you to keep living normally until electricity is restored. With 3.5 million Americans left without power in any given week, these generators may be worth considering.
A loss of electricity can be particularly hard on older adults, who are susceptible to hypothermia -- below normal body temperature -- as well as hyperthermia -- exceptionally high fever -- during temperature extremes. A loss of power also can prevent older people from using relied-upon medical supplies such as nebulizers. In addition, a power outage can result in spoiled food and busted pipes -- as well as no TV, phone and computer service -- for all people.
So what should you know before looking into the purchase of a generator?
First, a standby generator looks akin to a capped central air-conditioning compressor, only a lot louder. A smaller 3,250-watt portable model might set you back about $300 to $400, while a 10,000-watt model might go for about $1,200. If you want the whole shebang -- the whole house generator -- a 20,000-watt model will cost you about $5,000 at Home Depot. Still other generators go for as much as $10,000.
Installation, of course, can also be costly. For a look at how to install your own whole house generator, check out this video.
If you do want a generator with enough wattage to power your whole house, experts say a 3,000-square-foot home with an electric range might require as much as 25 to 30 kilowatts. If you want a generator that can power everything in your house, just not all at the same time, you might just need 20 kilowatts.
What else do you need to know?
- Before you go shopping for a generator, decide what critical elements in your home you are trying to back up -- things like refrigerators, freezers, and furnaces -- because that will determine what you wind up buying.
Beyond the cost of the generator itself, you'll need to hire a plumber to connect the unit to its fuel source, and an electrician to hook it into your house's power supply. Both should be licensed and certified for the brand of equipment you are installing and familiar with local codes that govern such issues as how close the generator can be located to the house, and whether or not you need a permit. Also be sure to check with your utility company -- some require approval before installation.
For more information on buying generators, go here.
Related
Before You Go
